INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS

09:00 am - 01:00 pm**
$75 (includes lunch and light refreshments)
Hyatt Regency Chicago - Columbus Hall C/D
Digitization of scholarly information, research materials and cultural heritage achieved a global scale, or did it? Aiming to preserve, document, and provide access to legacy collections; digitization efforts require significant fiscal outlay for infrastructure and technology, as well as human resources. A lot has been written about digitization projects in industrial nations but do we know how (and if) developing countries grapple with the challenges of implementing digitization projects? How are potential partners/funding agencies being identified? What are considerations in selecting material for digitization? Fee: $75 USD. Includes lunch at a restaurant and materials. **(Lunch will take place after Preconference.)
Speakers: To be announced

To register online, please visit the ALA Conference Registration page or send a paper form by email or fax.

International Librarians Orientation, Friday, 7/10/2009

4:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Hyatt Regency McCormick - Conf. Center 12a-c
An introduction to the ALA Conference and the city of Chicago for International and other attendees from abroad. ALA members will provide an overview of the conference, including recommended programs and social activities. Learn about conference transportation, the ALA's Exhibit Hall and the Meaning of the ALA's many acronyms. Meet your mentors and representatives from ALA's many divisions and round tables who will help international librarians get the most from the conference experience. (For International librarians outside the U.S.)

1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
McCormick Place West - W-181
Societies around the world—both urban and rural—are increasingly multicultural and libraries of all kinds and sizes are adapting their services, programs, and collections to serve culturally diversified communities of users. “Multiculturalism,” as defined by IFLA’s Library Services to Multicultural Populations Section, is the “co-existence of diverse cultures, where culture includes racial, religious, or cultural groups and is manifested in customary behaviors, cultural assumptions and values, patterns of thinking, and communicative styles.” Consequently, “multicultural library services include both the provision of multicultural information to all types of library users and the provision of library services specifically targeted to traditionally underserved groups.” This inclusive approach is at the core of this year’s theme, which will explore successful projects and initiatives implemented around the world to improve library services to their evolving communities. The International Papers Program provides librarians with an opportunity to exchange information about library services and collections throughout the world. The program also serves to stimulate the interest of U.S. librarians in international library matters.
Speakers:To be announced

Diversity Currents: Redefining the Library in Political Context, the Danish Experience, Saturday 7/11/2009

1:30-3:00pm
Swissotel Montreux
Leaders from the Danish Library Association discuss the national association’s structure which combines local politicians as well as library professionals in a Council comprised of representatives from regional associations. Learn more about the degree to which political consensus is needed in this kind of organizational setup and the shape current issues such as freedom of speech and inclusion of diversity take in this unique landscape. Speakers: Michel Steen-Hansen, Executive Director, Danish Library Association and Vagn Ytte Larsen, President, Danish Library Association

International Poster Session, Sunday, 7/11/ 2009

11:00 am - 12:30 pm
McCormick Place Convention Center - Exhibit Floor
This is a forum for librarians from around the world to highlight their libraries and to share their successful ideas with colleagues by presenting a research study, a practical problem-solving effort or an innovative library program.
List of International Poster Sessions--Coming soon!
Complete list of ALA Poster Sessions--Coming soon!

1:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Fairmont Hotel - Crystal Room
Join presenters for a discussion of the successes and challenges involved in library development in Sub-Saharan African countries. A question-and-answer session will follow their presentations, which include pictures of the projects they have undertaken in Sub-Saharan Africa. Sponsored by the International Relations Committee Africa Subcommittee.
Speakers: To be announced

Yes We Can: Support International Sustainable Library Development, Monday, 7/13/2009

10:30 am - 12:00 pm
McCormick Place West (MCP) - W-181
Find out how you can participate in an international library project. This program will present ways that librarians can connect with international projects. After the presentations on Ethiopia Reads and Books Open the World, there will be discussion groups where attendees can learn more about these and other projects in which they can get involved. (Program sponsored by the International Sustainable Library Development-ISLD)
Speakers: To be announced

1:30 pm - 3:30 pm
McCormick Place West (MCP) - W 192c
This program features two international leaders, whose organizations are making significant contributions in gathering, providing access to, and increasing knowledge about Africa’s cultural and scientific heritage. Prior to the program, there will be a presentation of the Humphry/OCLC/Forest Press Award for International Librarianship and the Bogle International Library Travel Fund Award. The work of the 2009 ALA IRRT emerging leaders will also be recognized. Please join us and celebrate our 60th Anniversary. Refreshments will be served.
Speakers: To be announced

International Librarians' Reception, Monday, 7/13/2009

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Please join the International Relations Round Table (IRRT) in welcoming and celebrating with librarians from more than 80 countries at the ALA Annual Conference. Open to all conference attendees, this reception offers a unique opportunity to network with hundreds of information professionals from around the world. Join us for a mixing of culture and ideas, regional cuisine, hors d’oeuvres and open bar (this event is free for international librarians). Advance registration is required. Tickets: Advance: $30. Onsite: $35